Cameron "delighted" with Scottish independence vote

Friday, September 19, 2014 - 01:05

British Prime Minister David Cameron says the question of Scottish independence had been settled ''for a generation'' after 55 percent of Scots voted for remaining with the United Kingdom. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

▲ Hide Transcript

▶ View Transcript

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday (September 19) that the question of Scottish independence had been settled "for a generation" after what he called a clear vote by Scots to stay part of the United Kingdom.
"The people of Scotland have spoken. And it is a clear result. They have kept our country of four nations together. And like millions of other people, I am delighted. As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end," Cameron told reporters in front of his Downing Street office in central London.
Cameron, whose own job would have been on the line if Scots had voted in favour of independence, said the result paved the way for a "new balanced constitutional settlement for all of Britain", including England.
He said it was right decision to hold the vote, with just two options -- 'Yes' meaning independence and 'No' meaning the option to stay together as part of the United Kingdom.
"It was right that we respected the SNP's majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people their right to have their say. Let us also remember why it was important to ask the definitive question 'Yes' or 'No'. Because now the debate has been settled for a generation."
Cameron said the vote was a "great opportunity to change the way the British people are governed".
He said that draft laws granting Scotland new powers would be published by January.
Cameron, the leader of the Conservative party, has promised to grant Scotland, which already has its own parliament, powers over tax and spending. The leaders of Britain's two other main political parties have made the same pledge.